Rückert's 'Liebesfrühling' digital

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Maximilian Bergengruen
• Subject Area: German Literary and Cultural Studies (Modern German Literature)
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 567047751

Friedrich Rückert's 'Liebesfrühling' is an exceptional phenomenon in the publication of poetry in the 19th century: It is the most widely read collection of poetry of the time. A special cultural history of the 19th century can be read from it and its reception. In addition, the poetry cycle is characterized by formal innovation, which stems from the integration of non-European poetic forms. In terms of content, the poems also advocate mediation between cultures and religions. Finally, a concept of love is developed that is based on an equal dialog between the sexes. All of this makes 'Liebesfrühling' a text or a collection of texts that can be read with profit from a historical and contemporary perspective. From an editorial point of view, the collection of texts is of particular interest because it has a highly complex and multi-layered genesis: initially collected by hand, then conceived as a collection, finally published as a (partial) collection in 1834, the 'Liebesfrühling' underwent numerous, sometimes considerable changes, which were not only initiated by the editors, but also by Rückert himself. A total of seven edition-relevant versions can be identified; so far, however, not even one of these versions has been edited to meet today's standards. A digital edition of all versions of the collection of poems is of crucial importance for research on Rückert, as there is no consensus among scholars as to which version is to be regarded as authoritative. An edition of all versions would therefore not only enable a well-founded understanding of the history of the genesis and development of this well-known collection of poems, but would also considerably facilitate the academic study of Rückert's work. Funding is being requested for a digital edition that will make all seven versions accessible without editorial predetermination and make all changes and shifts between the versions visible. A detailed commentary will also be included.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Privatdozent Dr. Christian Reul